Northumberland's Best Sunday Lunch: The Finalists!

A huge thank you to all the people (well over a thousand) who took the time to nominate in our campaign to find Northumberland's Best Sunday Lunch. We are so fortunate to have so many fantastic places to eat in our great County and proud of the quality of the produce on offer. That pride flowed through all the nominations and four establishments stood out in particular, their immensely supportive and passionate customers spoke out! We will be visiting each of the finalists to sample and judge their food, writing a full review on the blog and announcing the winner at the end of November. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get updates! In no particular order here are your four finalists:

The Wellwood - Amble
In sheer numbers of nominations, The Wellwood just beat the other finalists to come out on top. The reasons were varied and passionate, but centred on the amazing flavour of their gravy. I look forward to sampling it!

"Another amazing lunch today at The Wellwood, this place never fails to deliver! The local "Gloster Hill" beef from the farm just a stones throw away shows real commitment to sourcing local. This from Zecca's sister restaurant who won last years Northumberland Business Awards for using local produce. Keep up the good work and please never ever change the gravy!".....

"An almost perfect lunch - I leave perfection to my late Grandmother. Good slices of quality meat, crunchy roast potatoes, a yorkshire pudding you would break your ankle if you fell from, just cooked fresh veg. The chef usually adds a different variation of veg such as cauliflower cheese. Lashings of hot tasty gravy..... Dont get me started on the puddings. I believe a Sunday lunch deserves a hot pudding. Bread and Butter, Crumble, Sticky Toffee - all served with custard. As I say - Almost Perfect!".....

"I have no hesitation in recommending it to all my "guests" as I run a 4 Star Gold holiday cottage. Those who visited the Wellwood, which are many, all report the quality of this establishment in the guest book and also recommend it to oncoming guests. I think it's a privilege to have such an establishment in our area and I hope long may it last!".....

The Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant - Wark

Local sourcing and home grown food were the theme in almost all of The Battlesteads' nominations. Sustainability is a buzz word of the moment and the customers here are clearly impressed by their efforts to keep things local. The beautiful location and highly praised food sealed the deal for them.

"This is a family run business with the proprietors being very much hands on giving that personal touch to all customers who eat there. There is a excellent variety of food on offer including a selection of fish and Gammon, all food is locally sourced with a lot being grown on site. (sustainability benifits everyone who live in and visits this beautiful unspoilt county.) The resaurant is always busy - testiment to its popularity yet the service is excellent and you are always greeted with a friendly smile. Excellent Food, surroundings and staff all locally sourced!!".....

"Every time I go its always lovely, nice selection of starters, lovely roast joints and vegetables, their ice cream menu is really different from Beckleberry's and the home made puddings are better than what mum used to make! Make me feel welcome and my custom is valued.".....

"Buffet lunches, large variety of vegetables, three - four meats. The roast Pork, Beef, Lamb and/or Chicken, just melt in the mouth and the flavour just erupts on the taste buds. Varied starters and deserts.Great welcome, busy, but found a table for us but only just.".....

The Running Fox - Felton

A large number of people felt that The Running Fox has had an amazing impact and transformed the Village of Felton since they re-opened earlier in the year. It is clearly a special place that is held in high esteem by the community it serves, quality and value for money were mentioned again and again. Combine all this with a beautiful location by the river and they are on to a winner.

"Chris and Nev have done a wonderful job since taking over the Running Fox only this year, their fare is all made on the premises from locally produced sources. I would say their success so far is down to them being "people persons" which reflects on their staff who are very friendly. They truly deserve to do well as they do go the "extra mile" for their customers.".....

"This is a fab little establishment. Compact and cosy with lovely views of the river it never fails to deliver outstanding meals from locally sourced produce all at a reasonable price. The service is always friendly and the tables are always busy. A sure sign of a popular eatery!! Love the Running Fox.".....

"This wonderfull village cafe is Northumberlands best kept secret... wonderfull fresh food.. beautifully presented along with attentive staff... and if that isnt enough... extremely reasonably priced!!!".....


No.19 at Close House - Heddon on the Wall
Standing out more than any other for the constant and direct praise for the standard of cuisine and service is No.19 at the Close House Hotel. 'Contemporary' and 'unique' are words that were regularly repeated throughout the nominations, patrons were genuinely impressed with the location, friendliness and excellent service.

"What a stunning Place for a family Sunday lunch. The views of the Tyne valley are incredible, the staff are very friendly making you at ease as soon as you arrive. The menu flooded with produce from Northumberlands wonderful larder. Everything on the menu was beautifully presented, the meat and vegetables beautifully cooked and for those with a sweet tooth the desserts are top class. Simply a great Sunday lunch."......

"No 19 puts its own stamp on a traditional Sunday dinner, using locally grown produce it really stands out against others in the local area. Being someone who dines out every sunday, always sampling new restaurants, No 19 has really stood out as the best in the area. Me and my family no longer sample new restaurants as we know that we cannot possibly find any better.".....

"No 19 at Close House is an exceptional place for Sunday lunch, the variation and choice in the menu is so unique but not lacking in the traditional roast, the locality of ingredients is also what puts no 19 above the rest. Beef from wallington, lamb from ingram valley, local veg, what more could anyone ask for, definitely number one in the region.".....

Massive congratulations to the finalists! I can't wait to visit you all and sample your wonderful Northumbrian food.